Lamarckianism

Doctrine of the transmutation of species according to laws formulated by Lamarck; i.e.: 1. Living things grow up to a limit which is self-regulated. 2. Adaptation is secured through longings or wants felt by the animal, which give rise to movements tending to satisfy the wants, and through these actions the existing parts are modified into more efficient organs. 3. Organs develop or degenerate, according to use or disuse. 4. Everything acquired by an animal is hereditarily transmitted to its offspring, provided both accepted by the followers of Darwin.